GSK will own 55% of the venture and Verily the remainder, with Galvani's global R&D centre based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, and a second research hub in South San Francisco. It will initially employ around 30 expert scientists, engineers and clinicians.

"Together, we can rapidly accelerate the pace of progress in this exciting field, to develop innovative medicines that truly speak the electrical language of the body."

Bioelectronics seeks to treat chronic illnesses using tiny implants to change electronic signals that pass along nerves in the body.

The announcement comes less than a week after GSK pledged to invest £275 million in three plants in Britain, sweeping aside concerns about growth following the country's decision to leave the European Union.